As runners gear up for this year’s London Marathon on Sunday, the have ballots opened today for next year’s race.
Anyone keen to take on the 26.2 miles challenge around the capital in 2026 has until Friday, May 2 to sign up.
A world record-breaking 840,000 people entered the ballot for this year’s race, making it officially the most popular marathon on the planet.
Around 56,000 people are expected to take part.
Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said: ‘The London Marathon is one of the most iconic and inclusive sporting events in the UK and is unique in the fact that anyone can be part of it.
‘You can stand on the same Start Line as the legends of the sport and be cheered on by the hundreds of thousands of people who line the streets.
‘It is a day like no other when the whole of humanity comes together, and entering the 2026 TCS London Marathon Ballot can be the first step towards being part of it.’
More than 1.25million people have completed the circuit since the race was launched in 1981, with runners having raised more than £1billion for charity.
How do I sign up for the London Marathon 2026?
The 2026 London Marathon will be held on Sunday, April 26 next year.
Prospective marathon runners can sign up by entering a public ballot, with winners drawn at random.
When does the ballot open?
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The ballot for the 2026 London Marathon opened today, Friday, April 25, and will stay open for a week until Friday, May 2.
How much does it cost?
If you are a UK resident, and choose to donate your entry fee to support the work of the London Marathon Foundation during the ballot process if your entry is unsuccessful, your entry free is reduced from £79.99 to £49.99.
If you get offered a place after being successful, if you live in the UK and didn’t opt to donate your entry fee when applying, you’ll need to pay the full entry fee of £79.99.
What happens if I don’t get a place in the first ballot?
If you don’t get a place in the main ballot, not all hope is lost.
You will automatically be entered into a second ballot, and you will at least double your chance of getting a place through that second draw.
If you are successful in either the first or second ballot, your entry is prepaid and confirmed.
How do I know if I’m in the ballot?
First of all, you’ll receive a confirmation email when you apply, as well as a payment receipt if you donate your entry fee.
Organisers of the marathon recommend checking your junk folder if you don’t see a confirmation email soon after applying.
The results of the 2026 London Marathon ballot will be emailed to all entrants in July 2025 – the exact date has not been confirmed.
What if I’m unsuccessful in both?
If you are unsuccessful you will receive a ‘premium winter running top’ which retails at £60, and the money you entered will be donated to the London Marathon Foundation.
Top-rated marathons in the UK if you don’t get in to London
If you aren’t lucky enough to be able to race in London next year, never fear as there are plenty of other options across the UK.
From Manchester Marathon, billed as the flattest and most friendly, to the Great Welsh Marathon offering stunning views of the Llanelli Millennium Coastal Park, there’s bound to be another option for you.
The Brighton Marathon is held a few weeks before the London Marathon, or you could head to Blackpool and take in all of the seaside resort’s tourist spots en route.
Edinburgh Marathon is also known for its super-flat route, making it a great option for beginners, or if you want more of a challenge the multi-terrain New Forest Marathon takes you through the heart of the stunning national park.
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